Kashi Jagannath Snan Yatra on June 29, Rath Yatra Mela From July 16

Varanasi, June 26, 2026: Kashi's traditional Jagannath Snan Yatra is scheduled for June 29, with the Rath Yatra Mela expected to be held from July 16 to July 18 in Varanasi. The annual sequence of rituals is linked with the Shri Jagannath Temple at Assi and draws devotees from across the city.

According to local reports, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra will give darshan in Shri Ganesh form on June 29 after the ceremonial bathing ritual. The schedule then moves into the traditional period of seclusion before the Doli Yatra and Rath Yatra events in July.

Snan Yatra on June 29

The Snan Yatra marks an important moment in the festival calendar. Devotees gather for darshan as the deities are ceremonially bathed and worshipped. Reports say the June 29 darshan will be associated with the Shri Ganesh form, a special tradition observed in Kashi.

As with all major temple events in Varanasi, devotees should follow local arrangements for entry, darshan timing and crowd movement. Police and local administration usually coordinate traffic and crowd-control measures around major religious gatherings.

Anavasara Period and Kadha Bhog

After the Snan Yatra, the deities are expected to remain in Anavasara, or temporary seclusion, from June 30 to July 14. During this period, regular public darshan is traditionally limited or suspended, and special offerings are made according to temple practice.

Reports mention that kadha bhog will be offered during this period. The practice is part of the local devotional calendar and should be understood within the temple's long-running religious tradition rather than as a public spectacle.

Doli Yatra and Rath Yatra Mela Dates

The Doli Yatra is expected on July 15, when the deities are taken from the Assi temple toward the Rath Yatra route. The Rath Yatra Mela is scheduled from July 16 to July 18, with devotees expected to gather for darshan and participation across the festival days.

Reports say the return of the deities to the temple is expected on July 19. Devotees planning to attend should verify timings closer to the dates because temple schedules can change depending on rituals, crowd arrangements and administrative directions.

Centuries-Old Tradition of Kashi

Varanasi's Jagannath tradition has deep cultural and religious importance. The festival connects the temple at Assi with the wider Rath Yatra observance and forms part of the city's living religious calendar.

For many families in Kashi, the Snan Yatra, Anavasara, Doli Yatra and Rath Yatra Mela are annual markers of devotion and community gathering. This year's schedule once again brings attention to the city's long-standing temple traditions and the careful arrangements needed to manage large numbers of devotees respectfully and safely.